May 30, 2013

Brazil maintains status as lowest risk possible for BSE

Despite a "non-classic" case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) arising in December 2012 that sparked export concerns, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reaffirmed Brazil's status of "negligible risk" for BSE.

OIE reaffirmed Brazil as one of just 19 nations that hold the lowest risk level for the disease. It had previously reaffirmed its "negligible risk" status for Brazil in February, following a wave embargoes on Brazilian beef products raised by 12 export partner-nations. Despite the vote of confidence, the OIE also recommended "strong monitoring" by Brazil at that time.

The OIE resolution offers proof of confidence the international community has in Brazilian livestock and meat products, said Guilherme Marques, director of the department of animal health in Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, and new president of the Regional Commission for Americas at the OIE.